Anyways, I didn't get where I am today by ignoring pink elephants in the room. You build a mech with that much firepower, it's pretty clear you're either completely off your rocker in an evil villain way, or planning for something even bigger to come along. Either way, it's in your best interests to find out which it is.I think that was why the SRX was designed as a combiner, actually. A couple high-power Mobile Suit-alikes draw a lot less attention than a super robot with an even bigger gun.

You continue to surprise me with how well-connected you are.I guess that explains why WE got the Gunbuster, though.

"mere luck I happened to pass by when you asked for a 2 Megabyte Encryption key. kinda gives it away, just be glad no one else was around. I guess this raises the number of people on this ship who know the truth to 3."

Gai turns to leave.

"Thanks for sending the data, leaving Valhalla requires way too much paperwork."

If you are a man you'll do what's important before you grieve -Captain Harlock

Technically, I asked her what she thought I wanted if I was connecting with a 2 meg encryption key. But the point stands.

I SWEAR I closed that door, locked it, and turned on the privacy field... ah well.

I hope Shara isn't touchy about the V-word. I'd hate to see the SRX training disrupted by a homicidal meltran....Maybe I'll go find something to keep her occupied.

Jaybee flips the comm panelHey, Shara. Meet me in sim 3. We've got a toy I'd REALLY like to get some practice on.

"The Buster Machines, you mean? I've already made plans."

Aww, c'mon... you can harass Andrew any day. Wouldn't you rather play with a 250-meter harbinger of death?

"You make a compelling argument."

Good. Dibs on BM1.

"In your dreams! You get to lead on the Huckebein Gunner, I'm on top for this one!"

I called dibs! What sort of society do we live in where a man can't call dibs on the biggest and most overpowered mech ever seen in human space?

"I'll fight you for it."

VF-1 duel acceptable?

"Super S. Best two of 3."

Super J.

"Deal."

I'll see you in sim 3. Prepare to lose. Again.

"What did you... I'll make you eat those words! YOU'RE GOING DOWN! DOWN IN FLAMES! AND PIECES! FLAMING PIECES!" *blip*

Ahhhh, it's been a while since I've had a good dogfight.Better hurry and get the sim set to private before word gets out, as it always seems to around here....Meh, screw it. Betcha there's ALREADY a conga line following Shara.Jaybee tweaks his aural implants, and hears "I'm gonna kill that bastard!" echoing through the ventilation system.Yup. Definitely too late to keep this one quiet.

Andrew, BK, I've got an idea for some fun times. We're about to get some company in the sim room - Jay and Shara seem to be having a little lovers' quarrel. Afterwards, they're going to practice combination attacks against over four thousand mobile suits and Gunbuster at once. I, for one, know that even on its most difficult setting it'll be a cakewalk against the computer.

But, they won't be going against the computer. Training against the sim environment will only get you so far, so we're going to inject some aliveness into this course. You two will be controlling Gunbuster. And I...

Well, let's just say they didn't call me the One-Man Army for nothing.

Two VF-1s dance through the asteroid belt, lobbing fire at each other. One crimson with black trim, the other violet with white trim. A bright red asteroid floats into view. The crimson VF fires it's last four micromissiles, then dives for the red rock

Oh no you don't!

The purple VF dives after the red one, weaving through the missiles, raining bullets down at the other fighter.

EAT MISSILE!

A volley of twelve missiles flies towards the red plane, which ejects it's FAST packs. The missiles lock onto the booster package and explode, while the fighter continues unimpeded.

Impressive. Improvised flares.

"I'm rather proud of that stunt."

A hail of laser fire shatters the red asteroid, and the blood-colored VF shifts to GERWALK, rapidly decelerating as it enters the debris cloud and veers into a ghostly set of FAST packs. There's a ripple, and the plane's boosters are restored, as well as it's wing-mounted missiles.

Man, I coulda sworn I got past you and back in front twice. But then I remember my hands aren't quicker than your eyes... This is why I hate personal combat. It's different in a mech, but on foot I'm just slightly above-average.

The naked VF painted in the extremely manly shade of purple dives towards a powerup, it's tail fin trailing smoke. It touches it right as the the fully-geared red VF cuts between a pair of asteroids. Tthe damage on Jaybee's plane is repaired, and FAST packs remounted, though one pack is a little lopsided and carries a beam cannon instead of a missile pod.

HAHA! STRIKE PACKS!

"Crap."

Jaybee transforms into battroid mode and spins around. A quick hand movement arms all the weapons, and as he locks onto Shara, he fires. She tries to dodge, but the asteroids get int he way. A particle beam removes her mech's left arm, a laser clips the FAST pack over her right shoulder, bullets stitch holes across her mech's chestplate, another particle beam removes the right leg...

"PROTOCULTUUUUUURE!!!!!!!!"

And the missiles arrive, atomizing her fighter. Jaybee bursts into laughter.